5. Citation in text

In-text citations need to include the author(s) last name and the year (date) of publication.

In-text citations provide a brief reference within the body of your paper to guide the reader to the full citation in your list of sources. The format varies slightly between books and magazines, and the placement can change based on the narrative flow of your sentence.

Citation in text is directly dependent on the full source description in the list of sources. Therefore, it is always recommended to create a proper reference in the list of sources first. In-text citations then use the authors' names and year exactly as they appear in the list of sources.


Books with One Author

For books, the in-text citation format is: 
(Author's Last Name, Year of Publication)

Our source: Sapolsky, R. M. (2017). Behave: The biology of humans at our best and worst. Penguin Books.

- Examples:

1. End of Sentence:

Throughout the course of human evolution, it has become evident that behavior is influenced by a myriad of biological factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic (Sapolsky, 2017).

2. Direct Quote:

As Sapolsky (2017) insightfully points out, "the brain is a complex organ that regulates our actions and reactions" (p. 45).

3. Narratively in the Middle of a Sentence:

Drawing from extensive research, Sapolsky (2017) provides compelling arguments that our actions and decisions are shaped by a harmonious blend of genetics, environmental stimuli, and individual life experiences.



Magazines with Two Authors

For magazine articles, the in-text citation format is: 
(Author's Last Name & Author's Last Name, Year of Publication)
Ampersand symbol "&" is used in end of the sentence and not narratively in the middle of a sentence:

Our source: Schaefer, N. K., & Shapiro, B. (2019, September 6). New middle chapter in the story of human evolution. Science, 365(6457), 981–982. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aay3550

- Examples:

1. End of Sentence:

With the advent of new archaeological findings, our understanding of human evolution has been enriched, revealing a more intricate chapter than previously believed (Schaefer & Shapiro, 2019).

2. Direct Quote:

Highlighting the depth of their research, Schaefer and Shapiro noted, "The early human societies were more complex than previously thought" (Schaefer & Shapiro, 2019, p. 981).

3. Narratively in the Middle of a Sentence:

In a groundbreaking 2019 article, Schaefer and Shapiro delve deep into the intricacies of human evolution, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of early human societies and their advancements.


Books with Three or More Authors (editors)

For books with three or more authors, the in-text citation format is: 
(First Author's Last Name et al., Year of Publication)
Include both period and comma after et al.

Our source: Harris, K. R., Graham, S., & Urdan T. (Eds.). (2012). APA educational psychology handbook (Vols. 1–3). American Psychological Association.

- Examples:

1. End of Sentence:

In the realm of academia, the APA educational psychology handbook stands as a testament to the vast and diverse knowledge encompassing the field of educational psychology (Harris et al., 2012).

2. Direct Quote:

Emphasizing the depth and breadth of the subject, the editors state, "Educational psychology is a multifaceted discipline that requires a holistic approach" (Harris et al., 2012, p. 23).

3. Narratively in the Middle of a Sentence:

As Harris et al. (2012) elucidate in their comprehensive handbook, the study of educational psychology necessitates a deep understanding of the myriad factors that influence educational outcomes, from cognitive processes to environmental influences.


Follow next page.....